The 11 Plus exam is crucial and competitive for Poole children aiming to secure positions in the top grammar schools in Poole. Parents need to know the 11 Plus exam format and the type of questions their children will encounter to best prepare them for it.
In this blog, we comprehensively explain the top grammar schools in Poole, their 11 Plus exam format and everything parents need to know.
What are the Top Grammar Schools in Poole?
Your child in Poole will take the 11 Plus exam to secure positions in the following prestigious grammar schools in Poole:
- Poole Grammar School (Boys Grammar)
- Parkstone Grammar School (Girls Grammar)
Children need to work hard and prepare exceptionally well for the 11 Plus exam to secure a position in these grammar schools because the competition is soaring each passing day. You can give your child the best chance with Poole’s expert 11 Plus tuition, which equips them with the skills they need to excel in the 11 Plus exam and secure positions in top grammar schools.
What is the 11 Plus Exam Format of Poole Grammar Schools?
The grammar schools in Poole use the Dorset Consortium 11 Plus exam.
Subjects Covered:
The 11 Plus exam for grammar schools in Poole consists of 3 papers on the following key subjects:
| Maths | Covers Key Stage 2 Curriculum up to level 5 and a few questions from level 6 |
| English | Comprehension, Vocabulary, Punctuation |
| Verbal Reasoning | Assess your child’s academic potential |
Question Type:
All the 3 papers of the 11 Plus exam for grammar schools in Poole contain multiple-choice questions only. There is no writing component in the exam.
Time Allocated:
| Subject | Time |
| Maths | 50 mins |
| English | 45 mins |
| Verbal Reasoning | 50 mins |
Exam Board:
GL Assessment sets the 11 Plus exam for grammar schools in Poole.
Key Dates:
The following are the key dates every 11 Plus parent in Poole should have at their fingertips:
- Registration Opens: Tuesday 22nd April 2025
- Registration Closes: 5th September 2025
- 11 Plus Exam Date: 20th September 2025
- Result Declaration: 10th October 2025
- Secondary Schools Application Deadline: 31st October 2025
- National Schools Offer Day: 2nd March 2026
How to Prepare Your Child for the 11 Plus Exam for Poole Grammar Schools
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Start Early
It is very important to ensure your child starts 11 Plus preparation for grammar schools in Poole early to avoid last-minute stress.
Encourage your child to start preparation in Year 3 to develop core skills in key subjects, master exam techniques and revise and take mock exams and practice tests.
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Provide Effective Resources
Various effective 11 Plus preparation and revision resources available online and offline can provide your child with useful 11 Plus information, familiarise them with the exam format, and provide effective practice for excelling in the 11 Plus exam.
Provide your child with the following resources:
- Practice tests
- Worksheets
- Video Tutorials
- Flashcards
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Hire Tutors
You can hire private in-person or online tutors to help prepare your child for grammar school entrance exams. In-person tutoring involves face-to-face interaction, but it is very expensive compared to online tutoring and includes hassles with pick-ups and drop-offs.
Online tutors allow your child to learn from the comfort of home and provide highly effective tuition through an efficient tech platform.
Seek peers’ recommendations and read reviews online to choose the best tutor for your child.
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Practice Tests and Mock Exams
Practice tests and mock exams are highly beneficial for your child preparing for the 11 Plus exam for grammar schools in Poole.
- They familiarise your child with the exam format
- Help overcome exam anxiety
- Build confidence
Conclusion
Poolel is home to 2 prestigious grammar schools. The 11 Plus exam for grammar schools in Poole will take place on 20 September 2025. The 11 Plus exam for grammar schools in Poole consists of 3 papers. 11 Plus, Maths and Verbal Reasoning papers last 50 minutes, and English for 45 minutes.
Many children face exam stress and anxiety. You can prepare your child for the 11 Plus exam for grammar schools in Poole by starting the preparation early, providing effective preparation resources, and hiring an online tutor. Good luck.
